Top South African mountain biker killed in road accident

South Africa's Burry Stander (R) competes in the cross-country mountain bike race of the London 2012 Olympic on August 12, 2012.

Story highlights

Burry Stander is hit by a vehicle while on a training ride in South Africa

He was the country's most successful mountain biker

He finished fifth in his event at the Olympic Games in London last year

Stander missed out on a medal by just four seconds

South African mountain bike star Burry Stander, who narrowly missed out on a medal at the London Olympics, has been killed in a road accident.

Stander, 25, was on a training ride when he was hit Thursday by a vehicle in Shelly Beach, on the country's southeast coast, according to Cycling South Africa, the national cycling body.

Details of the accident are still being investigated, it said.

"Not only is this a loss to South African sport, but we have lost a true gentleman who through his professionalism, modesty and humility, constantly showing sheer guts, represented our country with great pride," Cycling South Africa said in the statement released Thursday.

The organization expressed its condolences to Stander's family, including his wife and parents.